Easter

El Chupacabra

by:
July 10, 2009
5
2 Ratings
  • Serves 1 drink
Test Kitchen Notes

This recipe was a finalist in the Best Cocktail Contest. Although it didn't win, the race was very close, and we think this excellent drink deserves a spot in the cookbook. A Pimm’s Cup gone south of the border, the cocktail gets it moniker from a terrifying mythical creature whose name means “goat sucker.” janeymax calls for a couple of ingredients that may require a run to the local package store (Cynar, which is made from artichokes, blanco tequila and Peychaud bitters), but we think it’s well worth the field trip. The combo of cucumber and lemon juice is supremely refreshing, and the slight fizz from the soda water doesn't hurt. Although it’s hardly a sweet drink, you can barely taste the tequila, which makes it extra dangerous, just like its namesake. - A&M —The Editors

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1 ounce blanco tequila (Herradura, Dos Manos, and Gran Centenario all work)
  • 1 ounce Pimm's #1
  • 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 ounce simple syrup (1:1)
  • 1 dash Peychaud bitters
  • 2 pieces sliced cucumber
  • 1/4 ounce Cynar
  • 1 splash soda water
Directions
  1. Muddle 1 cucumber slice at the bottom of a shaker.
  2. Add first five ingredients.
  3. Add ice and shake.
  4. Strain into a collins glass with ice.
  5. Top with soda water (to taste).
  6. Float 1/8-1/4 oz. Cynar.
  7. Garnish with a cucumber slice and serve!
Contest Entries

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Cheryl
    Cheryl
  • Pageevett
    Pageevett
  • Yessica
    Yessica
  • MissGinsu
    MissGinsu
  • lastnightsdinner
    lastnightsdinner

10 Reviews

Cheryl April 25, 2020
I used Bombay Sapphire Gin instead of tequila, Campari instead of cynar and had no cucumber. Just used a little sugar instead of syrup. I think I would have liked the cucumber. Adult and tasty!
 
Cindy R. September 27, 2014
My friends and I love this drink! I made it for Cinco de Mayo and it has since become the drink of the summer.
 
Pageevett November 4, 2013
This drink sounds fab. Like a soup-ed up pimms cup. Yum. BTW where did the glass come from? I'd like to get some!
 
Amanda H. November 4, 2013
Thanks -- they were a wedding gift from Barney's (long time ago!).
 
Yessica February 7, 2013
LOL...I must admit I only clicked on the link because of the catchy name. I have no idea what half of the components to this drink are so it i a must try!! Being familiar with the Chupacabra story makes it a plus...hee hee
 
MissGinsu July 11, 2010
Ha! The name makes me giggle. And I've never heard of Cynar, so that's worth the price of admission right there. Thanks for the education!
 
lastnightsdinner August 18, 2009
What a fabulous sounding drink, and the name is delightful. Cheers!
 
Amanda H. July 11, 2009
Yes, it worked this time. Thanks for submitting it! - Amanda
 
janeymax July 11, 2009
Hi Amanda,

Yes, I had meant to! Did it work now? Great site!

Cheers, Jane
 
Amanda H. July 10, 2009
Hi Janeymax, do you want to enter this in the summer cocktail contest? Or did you try to and have a problem? Let us know! (And sounds great, by the way) - Amanda